Ethics: Theory and Practice

Jacques P. Thiroux Keith W. Krasemann

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Chapter Sixteen
Environmental Ethics

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Definition of Key Terms

Speciesism is a prejudice for ones own species and against other species Sentientism is the theory that only those beings with mental states should be the subject of moral concern Holism is a conception of nature that sees humans and nature together as forming a moral community
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Definition of Key Terms

Vegetarianism is the refusal to eat the flesh of animals in favor of a diet of vegetables An endangered species is a species of animals in danger of becoming extinct because of the encroachment of civilization upon the natural environment and because of careless exploitation by human beings

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Nature and Morality

Human beings have discovered in recent years that natural resources, including animals, plants, and trees, are not boundless but are subject to diminishment, destruction, and loss This will affect us with regard to the social aspect of our morality, but many consider that nature also is valuable in itself

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Environmental Ethical Issues

We cannot continue the waste and destruction of natural resources, but must take action now to conserve and replenish what we take from nature for our own uses Neither can we continue to exploit, misuse, and pollute the environment The rights of animals should be respected

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Our Attitude Toward Nature and What Lies Behind It

These attitudes have not developed overnight
Platonic dualism and the beginnings of Western philosophy tended to split human beings off from nature Judeo-Christian teachings in the Bible taught that human beings are imbued with a soul whereas the rest of nature is not

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Our Attitude Toward Nature and What Lies Behind It

The advancement of science and technology has made nature more subservient to humans

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Arguments for Use and Exploitation of the Natural Environment

Religious: Western religions condone dominion by citing the Bible Natural order/evolution: humans are the highest evolved species, so they control Civilization is more important than nature Only humans are deserving of moral rights and obligations
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Arguments Against Use and Exploitation of the Natural Environment

Monistic holism v. dominion and domination Religious arguments about superiority have been misinterpreted or are irrelevant Evolution of humans does not mean that they are entitled to dominion over nature The proper relationship between man and nature is holistic, not dominant
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The Moderate Position

Nature is important and significant but not necessarily on the same footing with humans It may therefore be used for human ends but with care so as not to endanger or destroy it

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The Moderate Position

This position generally agrees with the holistic position but is not against using nature for the good of humans as long as it is done carefully, allowing for the preservation and protection of the environment

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Criteria for Animal Rights

Anything that is alive is deserving of moral consideration Those with interests have rights Attributes of soul, mind, and feelings moral consideration is based on whether or not beings have these attributes Animals seem to possess the power of reason, at least at the rudimentary level
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Ways of Dealing with Animal Rights

Vegetarianism Sentientism
Animals have mental states that are to some extent akin to those of humans and are therefore deserving of rights

Holism
Every living thing is deserving of respect, because they are all a part of nature as a whole

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Use of Animals for Food

Is it moral to kill sentient beings possessing all of the attributes previously described, and use them for food? How do our ways of raising animals impact this question?

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Use of Animals for Food

The moderate (between vegetarian and carnivore) argues that animals can be eaten but we should not accept wholesale slaughter or mistreatment of animals

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Arguments for Use of Animals for Experimentation

Arguments For:
Without our ability to use animals for experimentation, humans would have to be used and would be harmed or killed, or no cures for diseases could ever be found

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Arguments for Use of Animals for Experimentation

Arguments For contd:
Because, by law, humans cannot be used for experimentation without informed consent and strict guidelines, scientific and medical progress need animals Animals are less valuable than humans

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Arguments Against Use of Animals for Experimentation

Animals are thinking and feeling beings; it is immoral to make them suffer and die for human progress Many experiments are absolutely unnecessary to human health and well-being Scientific progress must stop if it cannot advance without animals
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Killing Animals for Sport

Argument For:
Ancient activity Animal population control Need for animal meat and products

Argument Against:
Hunting is no longer needed Animal populations will control themselves Domestic meat alleviates the need to hunt
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Protection of Endangered Species

An irreverence for even a small segment of life affects ones reverence for all life Most species are beautiful and interesting and they should be available to future generations

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Protection of Endangered Species

All animals seem to contribute in some way to the balance of nature and its food chain, and we should be careful not to upset that balance

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Non-Western Perspectives on Environmental Issues

Because environmental problems are global in scope and implications raised by these important issues of concern affect people the world over, it will be worthwhile to briefly note the value of non-Western ethical viewpoints The great goal of Chinese thought is to achieve harmony and balance
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Non-Western Perspectives on Environmental Issues

The immanent worldviews of Hinduism and Buddhism, which stress the oneness and interconnectedness of the natural order, present clear alternatives to Western transcendent perspectives where human beings stand over/against nature

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Non-Western Perspectives on Environmental Issues

In Daoist thought the key concept is the dao the way, which refers to ultimate reality, the way of nature, and ethical living

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Non-Western Perspectives on Environmental Issues

Confucianism attempts to extend the way by establishing social conventions and Kongzi ritualized proper conduct so that the life, in effect, becomes a performance that is designed to further natural harmony

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Non-Western Perspectives on Environmental Issues

In a world of pluralistic cultural values an expanded field of possibilities makes room for alternative responses to serious environmental challenges not easily resolved

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